A high-profile meeting involving Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and key ministers in the construction of the highway from Golconda to Point Fortin was underway last night to iron out several challenges in the $7.5 billion project.

Persad-Bissessar said some problems surfaced and completion of the highway was being affected.

The meeting was held at the Oropouche East constituency office in Debe and included Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jack Warner, Minister in the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure Stacy Roopnarine, Minister of Local Government Chandresh Sharma, Minister of Food Production Vasant Bharath, and Minister of Housing and the Environment Dr Roodal Moonilal.

"We need to get on with the planning and implementation of this project, but we also have to respect the residents' opinions. We are meeting with the key ministers involved to plan a way forward," she said.

Persad-Bissessar said the meeting was expected to resolve the challenges and move forward to complete the highway.

She said the matter would be discussed at length in an effort to find solutions.

Warner said among the concerns was the level of vibration from the construction work being done on the site. "Some residents complained about the vibration and asked to be relocated. They are giving the price and value of their home, so we have to discuss this and ensure that everyone is happy," he said.

Persad-Bissessar went into the meeting around 3 p.m. The matter was still being discussed up to 7 p.m.

Warner met residents earlier this month to address concerns among affected residents. He assured that money was available for the completion of the project and told residents they would be given land and money, including compensation for their inconvenience.